The gut decides

I doubt that, even if the SNP is able to offer a robust case for independence which deals with the many objections, that enough people will change their minds and vote for it. Nearly all decisions are based on emotion and sentiment. Even the most well-informed and rational people are prone to these, as salespersons well know. Few of those who voted for Brexit studied the “pros and cons” thereof. They certainly did not think that the process would be as complex and lengthy as it has been.

The assumption that radical political changes of any kind can really deal with society’s many problems is flawed. Politicians won’t admit many problems are beyond their powers to solve. They offer only optimistic, simplistic solutions.

In most countries there is a lack of confidence in governments and politicians of all stripes. Conflict and intolerance are rife. It is naive to assume that in an “independent” Scotland things would be much different. People are much the same throughout the world.

We should always be wary of people who are absolutely sure they are “right”, be it in their political, religious or other beliefs. It never seems to occur to SNP members that they just might actually be “wrong.

A referendum on independence would be fractious in the extreme. If Yes was the result there would be years of argument. Leavers would disagree on what the relationship with the UK and the EC should be. Who would negotiate on behalf of the “Scottish Peoing ple”? Would they be only SNP members?

As is the case with “Brexit”, the Scottish and UK governments would neglect key issues to argue over the changes required.

I find it impossible to believe that any benefits which might accrue from “independence” (however defined) would be worth all the trouble and costs involved in attaining it. RAYMOND LADNER

Glasgow Road, Perth